Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Pasta (High Protein & Creamy)

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We all crave a big bowl of spicy, cheesy pasta, but usually, that means drowning in heavy cream and butter. Not today. This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Pasta combines the spicy kick of hot wings with the comfort of mac and cheese.

A wide white pasta bowl filled with creamy slow cooker buffalo chicken pasta garnished with green onions. — Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Pasta Creamy

My secret? A blended protein sauce that makes it incredibly creamy without the guilt. By using the slow cooker, we create a high-protein masterpiece that cooks itself.

This recipe is the spicy star of my High Protein Dump Dinners collection, perfect for busy weeknights when you need comfort food fast.

Table of Contents

Why You Will Love This High Protein Buffalo Chicken Pasta

If you are looking for a meal that feels like a cheat day but fits your macros, this is it. Here is why this recipe will become a regular in your rotation.

Buffalo chicken pasta bowl served next to fresh celery sticks and blue cheese dressing. — Buffalo Chicken Pasta with Celery

It’s Secretly Healthy

Traditional buffalo chicken pasta relies on heavy cream and blocks of cream cheese. We swap that for a blended cottage cheese (or Greek yogurt) sauce. This simple trick cuts the fat by nearly 70% while making the texture even creamier and richer than the original.

The “Dump and Go” Factor

There is no searing chicken, no making a roux, and no standing over a stove. You just dump the ingredients into the slow cooker and walk away. It is the definition of low-effort cooking.

Macro-Friendly

Each bowl packs over 30g of protein, making it a perfect post-workout meal that actually tastes like indulgance. It triggers satiety signals to keep you full for hours.

Ingredients for Healthy Buffalo Chicken Pasta

To make this healthy buffalo chicken pasta, we use simple, wholesome ingredients that pack a punch of flavor.

A blender containing smooth white cottage cheese sauce next to buffalo sauce and ranch seasoning. — Blended Cottage Cheese Sauce Hack

The Chicken

I recommend using boneless skinless chicken breasts for the leanest option. They shred beautifully after slow cooking. If you prefer dark meat, thighs work well too, but they will increase the fat content.

The Sauce Base

You cannot have buffalo chicken without Buffalo Sauce. I use Frank’s Red Hot Original (not the “Wing Sauce” which has added oil). We also add a packet of dry Ranch Seasoning. This gives that classic cool-ranch flavor without the calories of bottled dressing.

The Creamy Hack

Here is the game-changer: instead of heavy cream, we blend Cottage Cheese with a little milk until smooth. It melts into a velvety cheese sauce that mimics heavy cream perfectly. I use this same blending trick in my Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken to get that luxurious texture for a fraction of the calories.

How to Make Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Making this crockpot buffalo chicken mac and cheese is incredibly easy.

Step 1: The Dump

Raw chicken breasts in a slow cooker pot covered in bright red buffalo sauce and spices. — Raw Chicken and Buffalo Sauce in Slow Cooker

Place your raw chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour the buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, chicken broth, and garlic powder over the top.

Step 2: The Cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it shreds easily with a fork.

Step 3: The Shred

Shredding tender buffalo chicken in a slow cooker with two forks. — Shredding Buffalo Chicken in Crockpot

Shred the chicken directly in the pot using two forks. It should soak up all that spicy, flavorful broth remaining in the slow cooker.

Step 4: The Pasta & Dairy

Stirring cooked penne pasta and cheese into the buffalo chicken mixture in the slow cooker. — Mixing Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Stir in your cooked pasta and the blended cottage cheese sauce. Add your shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Stir until melted and creamy.

Can I put raw pasta in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can add raw pasta in the last 30 minutes of cooking. However, for the best texture (al dente), I strongly recommend boiling it on the stove and stirring it in at the end. Slow cooker pasta can sometimes become mushy if left too long.

Variations: Pasta Bake vs. Mac & Cheese

This recipe is versatile. You can serve it straight from the pot or turn it into a bubbling bake.

A ceramic casserole dish of buffalo chicken pasta bake fresh from the oven with browned cheese. — Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Casserole

The “Pasta Bake” Method

For a crispy topping, transfer the finished pasta to a casserole dish, top with extra mozzarella and breadcrumbs, and broil for 3-5 minutes until golden brown. This gives you that “baked ziti” vibe. If you love cheesy bakes, check out my Costco Lobster Mac and Cheese copycat for another indulgent option.

Vegetable Add-Ins

To bulk up the volume without calories, add chopped celery (classic with buffalo wings), spinach, or even cauliflower florets. The cauliflower absorbs the buffalo sauce beautifully.

Troubleshooting & Secrets to Success

How to keep pasta from getting mushy?

If you are stirring in pre-cooked pasta, slightly undercook it by about 2 minutes (very al dente). It will finish cooking as it sits in the hot buffalo sauce, resulting in the perfect bite.

How to make buffalo chicken pasta less spicy?

If you are sensitive to spice, use a “Mild” Buffalo Wing Sauce. You can also increase the amount of the blended dairy mixture (Greek yogurt or cottage cheese) to cool down the heat. The dairy acts as a neutralizer for the capsaicin in the peppers.

Why did my dairy curdle?

Dairy can curdle if boiled or subjected to sudden high heat. Always stir the creamy mixture in at the very end, ideally on the “Warm” setting or with the slow cooker turned off.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Pasta

What cheese goes best with buffalo chicken?

Sharp Cheddar provides the flavor backbone, while Mozzarella gives you that epic cheese pull. For authentic wing flavor, top your bowl with Blue Cheese crumbles before serving.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just add 30-60 minutes to the cooking time on Low to ensure it reaches the safe internal temperature.

Is buffalo chicken pasta good for meal prep?

It reheats well, but pasta tends to absorb sauce in the fridge. When reheating, add a splash of milk or water to make it creamy again. For a meal prep that doesn’t use pasta, try my Slow Cooker Shredded BBQ Chicken which uses a similar shredded chicken base.

How to make high protein buffalo chicken pasta?

To maximize protein, use the cottage cheese hack for the sauce and swap regular pasta for a protein-fortified pasta (like Chickpea or Lentil pasta). This can push the protein count over 40g per bowl!

Can I use ranch dressing instead of powder?

Yes, but bottled ranch dressing adds significant oil and fat calories. The dry powder gives you all the herby ranch flavor without the unwanted fat.

What is the best pasta shape for buffalo chicken?

Short shapes like Penne, Rotini, or Shells are best because they have ridges and pockets that hold the thick, creamy sauce. Long noodles like spaghetti tend to slide off.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Pasta proves that you don’t have to choose between “healthy” and “comfort food.” It is spicy, creamy, and macro-friendly.

A large serving spoon lifting a scoop of cheesy buffalo chicken pasta from a family platter. — Family Serving Buffalo Chicken Mac

Love pasta sauces? Try my High Protein Turkey Bolognese for a classic Italian option that is just as easy to make.